The 2021 Subaru Ascent's #13 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Subaru Ascent has a score of 7.7 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Roomy seating Spacious cargo area Generous standard features list Standard all-wheel drive
Cons Below-average predicted reliability rating
Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver aids now includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.Steering-responsive LED headlights are now standard.A second- and third-row seat-belt reminder is now standard.
PROS Substantial list of standard and optional driving aids High-quality interior materials Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive Easy-to-use infotainment system
CONS Accelerator pedal is too touchy Invasive engine and tire noise Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight Rolling over bumps at higher speeds sends vibrations through the cabin
The latest Ascent receives a handful of new standard features for 2021. These include LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel as well as automatic high-beams. The Touring model also adds another leather upholstery option: Slate Black with silver stitching. And as if the Ascent's incessant beeping notifications weren't annoying enough, all models now have a seat-belt chime that's meant to remind second- and third-row passengers to buckle up.
Pros Flexible seating configurations, cushy ride quality, every model comes with driver assists.
Cons Apathetic passing power, noisy engine during hard acceleration, third row smaller than some rivals.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard for 2021.Wireless smartphone charging now available.
Pros Attractive cabin with top-quality materials and construction Super smooth ride Advanced safety features come standard Wide cargo bay makes it easy to load items
Cons Touchpad controller is distracting to use Real-world fuel economy lags behind estimates
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 ranked #5 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Lexus RX 350 has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Robust engine Gentle ride Upscale cabin
Cons Less sporty than rivals Small cargo hold
Lexus introduced the Black Line Special Edition package for the F Sport models. It comes with black exterior accents, black 20-inch wheels, blue stitching for the leather interior, and either an Ultra White or Grecian Water (medium blue) paint job. More notably, ordering the Black Line Special Edition package also adds a two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Elsewhere, the RX receives a new interior color—Glazed Caramel—which replaces Noble Brown.
Pros Fuel-efficient powertrains, standard driver-assistance features, silky-smooth ride quality.
Cons Lazy driving demeanor, relaxed acceleration, fussy infotainment touchpad.
